Why the Heck Aren't Germans More Welcoming? Uncovering the Mystery
Persistent misconceptions surrounding German demeanor: Exploring the root causes of perceived German unfriendliness among certain communities. - Reason behind perceived German unfriendliness: An exploration
Let's get real - Germany's vibe might be more chilly than a Berlin winter. Sure, there are fantastic folks here who make life enjoyable, but the general hubbub of everyday interactions can make you yearn for dead silence. Why so darned frosty, you ask?
A survey in 2024 confirmed what I'd been sensing all along. Expat dwellers mumbles that Munich's a miserable pit, with zero friendliness to spare. That plops Munich in 53rd place, ahead of only a few stones' throw from Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg - a wasteland of unfriendliness, straight up.
They say we don't communicate much with the outsiders and leave them out of our social circles. But hey, are these outsiders not just folks with foreign passports, or as we like to call them - foreigners? What if these foreigners are the prized job seekers and executives? Even they don't get a warm welcome from us. So, they take it personally, and they should - they've tasted the hospitality of other nations.
We're Stingy with Politeness and Hospitality
Don't feed me the line it's just complaints! This ain't no mere grumbling, buddy. I hail from the offspring of former Yugos. I've encountered grumblers with Slavic wit who would roll over in their graves, and their sarcastic jabs still dance around in my mind while my Yugo grumblers have long been venting in heaven. But each one of them would've instantly offered a shot of rakija and a plate of smoked meat to a fresh arrival. At first, you drink in hopes; later on, in disappointment. Grumbling is a ruse, a shield against feeling we need others, always. It appears to me that the Germans genuinely believe they dont' need anyone, and they show it with their actions.
Kindness, politeness, and hospitality - where did we, the efficient Germans, forget all that? Why don't we learn from the newcomers, the immigrants? Instead, we buy those feelings for our 14 days of vacay in Tuscany, the Aegean, or in southern France. Why do we make each other's daily lives such an uphill battle?
Now I understand why Germans are often hooky from work compared to other European nations, as a different study shows. You've gotta be surrounded by all those grouchy coworkers during work and pretend to be stressed. Sometimes, right in open-plan offices. The atmosphere in German offices now reminds me of communism, where people in the office assumed they were just passing the time since there was a planned economy. We live like that too, without a planned economy.
The Heartfelt Politeness
A top Greek manager expat told me that Germany, its bureaucracy, and the work environment came across like pre-crisis Greece. That ain't a study; I agree with him.
I ain't here to bash the Germans and call them stoic whackjobs like Friedrich Merz and Carsten Linnemann. I'm more like the author I adore, Max Frisch, a Swiss. In his diaries, he wrote about a heartfelt politeness that he never abandoned. That exists. In each of us.
- Germany
- Munich
- Berlin
Extra Insight
Germany's perceived unfriendliness might stem from cultural differences, directness, and emphasis on punctuality. Germans are known for their reserve, strict adherence to personal space, and strict communication style. However, these practices can easily be misinterpreted as coldness or rudeness to outsiders. With time and effort, these cultural barriers can be bridged, revealing the friendly and welcoming nature of Germans.
- Despite the chilly vibe that Germany might exude, there are plenty of friendly individuals in both Munich and Berlin, but the general atmosphere can feel isolating due to the reserved communication style.
- In contrast to the perceived unfriendliness in Germany's daily interactions, Max Frisch, a Swiss author, emphasized the existence of heartfelt politeness within every individual, suggesting that cultural differences and misunderstandings may contribute to the chilly reputation.
